How to Survive the Office Holiday Party
You can be the life of your company's end-of-the-year party while leaving the embarrassing next-day apologies to someone else.
Up next in Office Survival Guide (57 videos)
Between crazy bosses and creepy coworkers, it's a wonder you get any work done at all. Here's a little help.
You Will Need
- Good timing
- A filling pre-party meal
- Appropriate attire
- Professionalism
- Social skills
- Sobriety
- An upbeat attitude
- Water
Steps
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Step 1
Go even if you don't want to
A holiday soiree is like a staff meeting—just with more booze. Although the invitation won't tell you this, it's a work function, so attendance is mandatory. Also, before you invite a friend along for the ride, talk to the organizers and confirm whether "plus ones' are permitted.
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Arrive shortly after the party begins, and stay until other people begin to leave.
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Step 2
Eat before you go
While the drinks are guaranteed, the food isn't. Eat enough before you go so you can have a drink without feeling tipsy, and so you won't need to raid the hors d'oeuvres.
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It's tacky and unhygienic to double-dip.
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Step 3
Dress appropriately
Check with the organizer to confirm the dress code, and wear a tasteful, appropriate outfit.
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Step 4
Mingle
Mingle and introduce yourself. Now is the perfect time to network with those happily tipsy execs who don't quite know you yet.
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Drink a glass of water in between each cocktail. If your significant other is there, keep the PDAs to a minimum.
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Step 5
Be professional
Have fun, but be professional. The rules of the office still apply, so no gossiping, no over-sharing, no getting wasted, and no sexual contact with your co-workers.
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Step 6
Keep it light
Keep the conversation positive and light. Try to avoid talking about the office, monopolizing the conversation, or correcting people.
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Step 7
Drink with your left hand
If you've got a drink, hold it in your left hand. That way, your right hand will be clean and dry for handshakes.
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Step 8
Beware of "merry Christmas"
We know you mean well, but be wary of wishing people a "merry Christmas." Since not everyone celebrates Santa's big day, you're less likely to offend folks if you wish them "happy holidays."
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Step 9
Express appreciation
Before you hightail it out of there, make sure you sincerely thank the party organizers. It only takes a minute, and you'll come off like a class act.
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The top gaffe employees make at holiday parties is drunkenness, while flirting with coworkers or a colleague's spouse comes in at number two.
